Quilled Creations By Pret

Tuesday, 31 January 2017

Recently I was asked to make bike with Quilling that was
about 6 inch tall. Though I had never tried my hand on 3D Quilling or even
Quilling based on automobile I took on the challenge.

Over the time my art has improved, there is no doubt.
Neatness and fresh ideas occur all the time. Obviously I get my own set of
blocks, but never did I face such task. I believe that I have never actually
done anything other than jewelry and hair accessories. Sometimes I make cards
and bookmarks and hangings for car or room.

This was completely new to me and to be frank I was double
minded. I wanted to say no… but then I wanted to try too….and so after a lot of
research (I even took help from online Quilling groups) I dived in and created
this motorbike….

It’s not perfect; it’s definitely not 6 inch tall and is
definitely not masculine (as motor bikes should be). It was surely not
selected…But I am proud of myself, for accepting this challenge, so what if I
did not succeed at least now it is not untreaded water…I will try again….

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

I have been frequently asked as to why I create what I
create. What is in it for the creator to create such delicate pieces and sell
it off to adorn someone else’s house? What is the charm of making things for
others when you hardly wear any of it? Why do I create?

There are numerous reasons like-

·To feed the creative side

·To pass the time

·To earn extra mullah

·If I know it I must create it

But above all it is the Satisfaction, I get when I convert
something from my mind to what is in front of me. I am sure crafters, writers
and in general all artists create with only for a sense of satisfaction in
their mind. The relief and excitement, the elation and the acknowledgment of
creation is not only empowering but also humbling.

When I get to try something new, something that I learned
recently, either from a book or a video or even a tutorial, I feel this urge to
try it. The never ending urges to twirl the paper and quill. Turn into a
desired shape and continue with the experiment.

On the way there are many highs and lows (believe me I have
wasted a lot). When I come out with a piece that is not only acknowledged but
also appreciated, I am sure my fellow artists would agree that it was all worth
it. The paper cuts and the wasted material along with failed attempts are all
worth it!

The sense of satisfaction and achievement is beyond words
can describe. So pick up your tool of choice and continue working towards that
sense of satisfaction.

Monday, 5 September 2016

When we try to purchase a gift for someone, we often put
a lot of effort into thinking the perfect thing and a unique gift for the
person you love. The underlying reason is not just the acknowledgement of the
fact about the gift but the thought behind the gesture of gifting.

You can add a little magic to the art of gifting if you
make or purchase something handmade. A handmade gift speaks more than just mere
“I Think about you” it says that “I Care about you” and “I love you”. It might
not be about the amount or the money spent, but the effort of the gift itself.

Usually on Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) I gift shirts to my
brothers, this year I thought I would make something for them that would not
hurt their sentiments and at the same time express my gratitude for everything
they do for me. I am younger to them and taking a gift from me puts them in a
difficult situation sometimes but they always graciously accept it. This year
too they accepted it but the moment was sweet. He proudly put my Quilled Car
Hanging in his car and clicked a snap and sent it to me.

One of my aunts purchased my Quilled Rakhi for the first
time and posted it to her brother. When I met her she proudly shared a snap of
her brother’s wrist just to show how much the gesture meant to both of them. I
am happy and grateful for it.

My friend from the college days (soul sister), whom I
have been pestering about having a look at my Quilling designs for a very long
time, could not due to lack of time. While randomly talking to her she asked
about some of my latest designs, she actually picked up a few and asked me to
make them for her. When she received it she was not just overjoyed she actually
wore them and proudly so.

Life is about such moments when your work is appreciated
and recognized because it is handmade and the very thought that goes into
making each and every unique thing. Handmade is the art of gifting and Loving.

Saturday, 6 August 2016

Quilling is great fun and a feast for your creative side.
Quilling a Jhumka is super easy. The
great thing about a Quilled Jhumka is that you can try many designs and create one
according to the outfit and or your requirement.

For all those who do not know what a Jhumka is – it’s a
bell or dome shaped earring that is traditional to wear and adds ethnicity to
any outfit.

A Jhumka can be fashioned in any way you want- small to
large, Decoupage with design of your choice, Hand painted or using liquid
embroidery.

My favorite is when I get to play with beads and stones
and ball chain etc. you can make a new design every time you make one.

Soutache method of attaching beads to the Quilled Jhumka
is a bit tricky but the end result is worth the effort. Let us begin

Things required for making a Quilled Jhumka with Soutache
are

1.5mm
strips in your favorite color

2.Headpins

3.Beads, bead caps and bead spacer of your choice

4.Pearl beads( you can try glass beads or silver
or golden balls)

5.Ball chain

6.Scissors

7.Beading needle and thread

8.Glue

9.Mod Podge/ Varnish

10.Quilling tool

11.Quiling coach

12.Quilling mould

13.Brush

14.Scissors

15.Pliers

·Step 1:

Take 7 to 8 Strips of 5mm and
attach them end to end. Making a long strip, start rolling them from one end
with the help of slotted tool and Quilling coach. Make a tight coil and flatten
it out with the help of coach

·Step 2

With the help of the mould, make
a dome shape. Make sure they are smooth and equal in size.

·Step 3

With the help of brush or finger
spread out Glue under each dome. Make sure the layer of Glue covers every part
of the inside of the dome. TIP: Don’t apply a thick layer.

·Step 4

With help of brush apply Varnish
or Mod Podge, it not only hardens the dome but gives a gloss to your Quilled Jhumka.
Let it dry completely TIP : Use a Needle tool or tooth pick to hoist the dome.

·Step 5

Use ball Chain and attach it on
the tip of the dome.

·Step 6

Using a beading needle or any
normal needle bead some pearl beads. Once you have enough length apply some Glue
and make sure that you put these beaded thread on top of the Glue. Make sure
that the thread doesn’t stick on the dome. Wait till the beads stick and then
pull the thread. You will be amazed to see the finished look.

·Step 7

Repeat Step 5

·Step 8

Insert the headpin in the dome
and using your choice of bead caps etc roll the tip of the pin and attach it
with ear hook.

Repeat the same step with the
other dome.

TA-DA… a pair of Jhumka is
ready. I was really excited to see the end result. I was so proud of myself for
finishing and all in one go. I know it takes some practice to bead and stick it
on the Jhumka, but I just loved the finished piece.

Saturday, 30 July 2016

Don’t be shocked! The amazing
art form otherwise known as paper filigree helps your mind to relax. The intricate
design with tiny strips of paper will captivate your heart. And above all it will
improve your concentration.

It is a known fact
that when you pursue a particular art form your brain develops, and there is no
age limit to explore and learn new art form. One should always undertake new endeavors
to evolve themselves. And learning the art of filigree has so many other
benefits with very little investment.

The many benefits of
Quilling are

1.Relaxes your mind :

The art form is simple and easy to learn. When you roll the
strips of paper your mind relaxes. The slow and sweet procedure will calm you
down. You can’t hurry in this art form and expect results soon. It improves
your imagination.

2.Improves concentration:

While shaping the roll into your desired shapes, you have to
concentrate in order to put them into the shape of your choice. If you make the
slightest of error and it will cost you the entire design. From measuring the
length of paper to letting them uncoil to what extent, it requires your full
attention.

3.Improves Hand- Eye coordination:

Quilling will help you improve your hand- eye coordination. You
have to make sure that you do not lose your concentration. Te moment you miss
out, the entire work is spoiled.

4.Helps you earn:

Many Quillers are small entrepreneurs. Once you get good at the
kind of work you do, you can always sell your products. It doesn’t take too
much time to learn the art form. You can make various articles like

·Earring

·Key chains

·Bookmarks

·Greeting cards

·Hair accessories

·Photo frames

·Broaches

·Letter Monograms

·Paintings

Quilling or Paper
Filigree is a great investment if you want to relax and develop your mind. I am
myself hooked onto the art form and sell some of my products on my Facebook
page by the same name. You don’t need a coach to learn the art form, you
just need a will to learn and you will find a lot of videos to help you out.